JACKSON — The Adams County Christian School Rebels ran the ball well. And they got big plays from their passing game. But it was drive-stalling penalties that did them in.

That and the performance of Hillcrest Christian running back T.J. Knowles, who had four touchdown runs, helped the Cougars pull away and defeat the Rebels 35-19 Friday night.

“We had two drives early in the game and penalties killed us,” ACCS head coach Hunter McKeivier said. “They had a little running back who made us look stupid sometimes. He’s an excellent ball carrier.”

Knowles had touchdown runs of 55, 10, 47 and 3 yards and he added a two-point conversion run in the fourth quarter.

The Rebels ended up with 15 penalties for 120 yards. They actually had more penalties than they did first downs — 11.

Not to be outdone, Rebels quarterback Johnny Smith threw three touchdown passes. He had a 38-yard scoring pass to Tyler Buckles in the first quarter, connected with Christopher Perry on an 80-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and hooked up with Ethan Loyed on a 22-yard yard scoring pass.

Despite throwing for 186 yards, Smith only ended up completing 8 of 26 passes with one interception. Perry led the Rebels’ ground game with 118 yards on 11 carries and was the team’s leading receiver with one catch for 80 yards. Smith added 86 yards rushing on 14 carries.

Buckles ended up with two catches for 57 yards while Loyed caught two passes for 20 yards.

“They went to a 6-2 defense. They had a safety in the middle. But that did not change us (offensively),” McKeivier said.

“They just made the plays when they had to, defensively and offensively.”

ACCS (0-2) will look to get its first win of the season when it hosts Riverdale Academy at 7 p.m. next Friday.